ONCE GAZETTED, these are the NEW Turks & Caicos Islands Constitutional Changes

Turks and Caicos, November 22, 2024

This Order amends the Constitution of the Turks and Caicos Islands (TCI)

Article 7 amends the term Ordinance throughout to “a law enacted by the Legislature”, except for references to specific Ordinances referenced in the Constitution.

Articles 8, 9 and 14 change the name of the House of Assembly to Parliament and, with effect from the next dissolution of the Parliament once the Order has been brought into force by proclamation in the Gazette, change the maximum Parliamentary term from four to five years and abolish appointed members of Parliament. Article 9 also makes provision for the Governor to appoint a greater number of Ministers than the six normally permitted in addition to the Premier, and increases the total cap from that established by The Turks and Caicos Islands Constitution (Amendment) Order 2021. Article 17 removes the requirement for Standing Orders of the Parliament to be approved by the Governor.

Article 10 clarifies that the TCI Cabinet has autonomous capacity with respect to domestic affairs. Article 11 requires the delegation of responsibility of certain matters relating to external affairs by the Governor to the Premier or another Minister.

Article 11 also removes regulation of international financial services from the Governor’s special responsibilities. Article 22 establishes an independent body for the regulation of international financial services.

Articles 12, 20 and 22 establish several further new bodies: a Cabinet Office and a Cabinet Secretary, a Police and Defence Service Commission, and an International Centre for Alternative Dispute Resolution. Article 21 provides that a Constitutional Commission may be established.

Articles 13, 18-20 and 22 make constitutional provision for some roles, entities and items already in existence: the Chief Justice, the National Security Council and its Secretariat, the TCI Regiment and its Commanding Officer and the national crest.

Article 15 amends the composition of the Electoral District Boundary Commission and its functions. The Order revokes the Turks and Caicos Islands (Electoral District Boundary Commission) Order 2011 (S.I. 2011/2719).

Article 16 provides a power for a referendum to be held on matters of national importance.

Article 23 makes minor and consequential amendments.

A full impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no, or no significant, impact on the private, voluntary or public sector in the United Kingdom is foreseen.